Ski Canada

We'll start out with a guided tour of Vancouver (including visits to Stanley Park and the legendary Totem Poles.) You'll then have free time to explore the city, plus the chance to experience FlyOver Canada, Canada's ultimate flying ride.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the mighty Capilano Suspension Bridge (tickets included) and then take a walk amongst the treetops of a magical old-growth forest – soothing our minds and souls with that fresh Canadian mountain air.

After that, Vancouver is yours to lap up as you please. Get to know the squad over dinner tonight, then if you're in town at the right time, we might head to the hockey rink to watch the Vancouver Canucks do their thing on the ice. (D) Stay: YWCA Hotel Vancouver

Out of Vancouver, we journey north in search of the mecca of snowsports that is Whistler, via the stunning Sea to Sky Highway. As gondolas float between snow-capped mountain peaks, this cosy village buzzes with life and powdery flakes coat everything in sight. We'll have the chance to explore the wondrous slopes by snowmobile too. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with what is essentially North America's largest ski resort, before tucking in to a scrumptious (if we do say so ourselves) dinner with the crew. (D) Stay: Pangea Pod Hotel (Multi-Share)

It's slopes o'clock! Whether you're a beginner bound for the bunny hill or a blackcomb bandit who owns the terrain park, Whistler's diverse grounds have you covered. Rent a board or a set of skis (or if you've brought your own then that's cool with us), then get ready to shred. If you've got the energy for après, there could even be a pub crawl on the cards tonight. (B)

If you're not keen to drag your aching body back up the mountain today, there's plenty to do downtown. Take a stroll through the snow, pamper yourself at a day spa or just maintain a steady flow of hot chocolates and watch the world go by. For those back up the mountain, the same deal as yesterday applies, pow pow! If you want a great view and an adrenaline rush, then choose to fly through the skies on a zipline.

Tonight, enjoy free time to find a spot for dinner and reflect on just how awesome this mountain playground is. Tomorrow, a new spot beckons... let's do this.

It's time to say goodbye to Whistler's perfect powder and jump on a plane to Calgary so we can head to the other-worldly beauty of Banff National Park. Flight time. With heads full of breathtaking British Columbian scenery, we'll board a quick flight to Calgary. Almost there. Just a picturesque drive to go before we touch down in Banff.

You may have seen photos of Banff on your computer's desktop background, but nothing can prepare you for how ridiculously good-looking it is in real life. It's been a long day of travel, so dinner's on us – eat up and get some rest so you can jump out of bed early tomorrow and explore. (D) Stay: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)

Banff is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, so if you feel like exploring, you have three resorts to choose from – Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. Don't miss the opportunity to travel by dog sled today too. And if you're keen to burn the candle at both ends, you can spend tonight exploring Banff's epic range of bars. (B)

Soak up Banff's beauty from another angle today – perhaps take a helicopter ride over the snow-laden mountains, or go for a hike on the Johnston Canyon Icewalk which can only be described as spectacular. With thundering waterfalls, imposing cliffs and ice tenticles everywhere, it's a perilous nature lovers paradise. Of course for some the mountain is always going to call, so try out a new resort or head back to one of your favourites. Come the evening, we could regroup and swap stories of our day. (B)

Those sick of riding downhill will be pleased to note they can give ice skating a whirl in town. Get arty in the afternoon at one of the town's many galleries. Over a drink tonight we will contemplate some seriously epic days of wintery wonder. (B)

What better way to bid Banff farewell than a group gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain? This could possibly be one of the best views you'll ever see, and the highest views in the Rockies at 2281m overlooking the Bow Valley. We'll stop for a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary – a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience designed to leave you feeling as wholesome as can be at the end of your Canadian adventure.

Afterwards, we'll hit the road again and head to Calgary where we'll say it's not farewell, it's just see you later. (B)